Ten Ticos A Day Die From The Effects of Cigarette Smoking
In Costa Rica every hour there is one heart attack and ten die daily due to the effects of cigarette smoking. The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) estimates that the cost to the health system is over ¢135 billion colones (us$259.615.384) a year.

Bus Operators and Power Utilities In Line For Increases
Lines for services in Costa Rica are common. And now several utility companies and bus operators are making line at the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep) - regulator of prices and services - for increases.

Costa Rica, South Korea To Enhance Political Consultations
Costa Rica and South Korea on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to set up political consultations, the Cost Rican Foreign Ministry said.

Mel Gibson Buys Costa Rica Ranch
Actor and director Mel Gibson has purchased a us$25.8 million ranch that sprawls across 163 hectares (402 acres) on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

Rio Azul Dump Could Really Be Closed This Time
The Ministra de Salud (Health minister, María Luisa Ávila, is set on closing down the Rio Azul landfill and if she keeps her word, the dump will be closed as early as next month, when the Aserrí dump should be ready.

Miss Japan Crown Miss Universe 2007
Miss Japan, Riyo Mori, a 20 year old dancer was crowned Miss Universe 2007 last night in Mexico City, Mexico, competing with women from 77 countries.

Constitutional Court Denies Appeal For Sex Change Operation
A thirty one year old Costa Rican man, identified only by his last name, Artavia, has lost his battle to become a woman, after the Constitutional Court rejected his appeal to order the Hospital México and the Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) to perform the surgery for him to become a woman.